EMISSION OF O- RADICAL-ANIONS FROM A SOLID-ELECTROLYTE SURFACE INTO THE GAS-PHASE

We have observed the emission of O- radical anions from a solid electr olyte surface. A simple experimental apparatus was designed to incorpo rate a gap between a YSZ (yttria stabilized zirconia) anode and a stai nless steel space electrode. By applying a DC voltage of 100 V across the gap, O- radical anions and electrons mere produced which could be detected using a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Recently, Greber et ai. reported the observation of O- radical anion emission from a cesium-c oated surface when the surface was exposed to thermal oxygen molecules . However, this method cannot maintain O- emission without adsorbed ox ygen molecules. Ln the present work, the possibility of obtaining cont inuous emission of O- from a YSZ surface was examined.